Český Jiřetín: Wooden Church, Fláje Canal and Trails

Český Jiřetín can be explored through several specific themes: the relocated wooden Church of St. John the Baptist, historic water engineering and trails that follow the canal to the national border. There is also a circular hike with two possible starting and finishing points, as well as seasonal winter activities. You can choose the focus of your trip according to whether you are more interested in architectural and engineering history, a walking route or winter sports.

A church with a local history

The wooden Church of St. John the Baptist was moved from Fláje to Český Jiřetín in 1969. Its relocation is a notable chapter in local history. Since it was reconsecrated in 1996, services have been held in the church only occasionally. If attending a service is part of your stay, check the schedule before your trip; do not assume that services are held regularly.

The Fláje Canal and the waterfall

The Fláje–Clausnitz Flume Canal served its purpose for 243 years and is the oldest technical monument of its kind in Bohemia. Its long period of use and its technical classification offer two different ways to explore the canal. Another specific example of water engineering is the artificial Jiřetínský Waterfall: it channels water from the flume canal into the Flájský Stream, overcoming a height difference of about 60 metres.

The Fláje Dam is located near Český Jiřetín. Its dam wall is freely accessible, though local restrictions may change. Check access before your visit. The Flájský kanál educational trail starts near the dam wall. It follows the canal bed to the national border and continues on the German side to Clausnitz. As sections and conditions may change, check the trail conditions before setting out.

Circular route and trail markers

The Po nové Hřebenovce circular route can be started and finished in Český Jiřetín or at the Fláje Dam. If you start the route in Český Jiřetín, the red-marked trail leads to the dam wall of the Fláje Dam. On the return route described from Fláje to Český Jiřetín, the trail follows the green markers; the Flájský kanál educational trail starts there. The references to red and green therefore apply to different sections. Check the markers on site, as they may change.

It is also worth checking the route information before setting out: check the sections and conditions for the educational trail, and note that the markers on the circular route may change. The dam wall is given as a reference point in both route descriptions and is also a freely accessible destination, although local access restrictions may change. Take these notes into account when planning your day rather than inferring a walking time or a particular level of difficulty from the routes described.

Seasonal winter options

The Český Jiřetín ski area has four downhill runs. Its operating conditions are seasonal. The ski area also has a natural toboggan run, whose availability may vary. This gives you two different winter activities to consider: skiing on the runs and tobogganing. Check current operating conditions and the availability of the toboggan run before your trip, before making these activities a fixed part of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Nová Ves V Horách, Obrnice, Horní Jiřetín, Polerady, Braňany, Hora Svaté Kateřiny, Želenice, Loučná.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Most.